"A group of Maoists raided the mines deposit no 5 of National Mineral Development Corporation, located on Bailadila hills mining area under Bacheli police station limits late last night and torched the machine and a dumper engaged in mining work," Kirandul Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) MZ Baig said.

On sensing the presence of ultras, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel rushed to the spot and opened fire on the rebels, forcing them to retreat to core forests, the SDOP said.

He said a combing operation has been launched in the region by police, located around 450 kms away from the state capital.